While it was previously very difficult for a woman to conceive a child after 40, assisted reproduction technology (ART) has changed that. Motherhood after 40 has been on the rise. According to the report “Fertility, Family Planning, and Reproductive Health of U.S. Women: Data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth”, more than 7.3 million women in the US have used infertility treatment at some point.

Many of these women have opted for motherhood after 40, also referred to as late motherhood, through IVF treatments and surrogacy in India, Georgia, Armenia, and other medical tourism destinations. The reason to have surrogacy or own donor egg IVF in India and other medical tourism destinations after 40 is often to save money. While in the past, a woman had to choose between a career and a family, now both are possible thanks to IVF after 40 and surrogacy.

Fertility Over 40
• As a woman gets older, her chances of conceiving and carrying a child to term naturally begin to decline. It is a natural part of the ageing process.
• The American Pregnancy Association has concluded that a woman is most fertile when she is under 35, yet this does not rule out having a baby at 40 or later.
• Normally, during a woman’s natural cycle, hundreds of eggs are released from her ovary into her fallopian tube, but only one develops to a usable size.
• IVF helps the body to fully develop more usable eggs at one time to increase the odds of fertility over 40.

Some things to consider before undergoing IVF after 40 are:

• Overall Health – You need to have good health in general. You should also have good mental and emotional health.
• Reproductive Health – Before considering IVF, you should have a series of check-ups including a Pap smear and general reproductive blood work.

Pregnancy after IVF

• After a woman undergoes the stimulant medication, the eggs are retrieved.
• The eggs are fertilized with sperm and then implanted into the woman’s uterus.
• While there is no scientific explanation as to why it happens, but some women may experience natural pregnancy after IVF.
• This is known to occur after what is called a “failed IVF” (when the eggs do not develop to a usable state despite undergoing stimulants) as well as after a successful IVF.

Surrogacy after 40
• While IVF makes it possible for a woman to have a baby after 40, there are other factors to consider.
• As a woman gets older, her uterus lining gets progressively thinner, which may interfere with the egg implantation process.
• A thin uterus lining may make pregnancy after 40 difficult. Under this circumstance, a woman can consider surrogacy.
• The surrogacy process allows a woman to still experience late motherhood with her own biological child even if she herself is unable to carry the child.

Many women and childless couples who decide to find a surrogate do so in India. Surrogacy in India is growing each year. The reasons why people opt for surrogacy in India are:

• Experienced Doctors – Indian fertility health care professionals are highly experienced in dealing with surrogacy. Fertility doctors in India are often educated abroad and are up to date on all the modern technologies and practices for the treatment.
• Good Care – The surrogate and baby’s health are both closely monitored. Both are well taken care of by trained specialists.
• Cleanliness – Reputable Surrogarcy clinics in India are clean and engage the latest of the equipment.
• Cost – The cost of surrogacy in India is drastically lesser than it is in the US.
• Healthy Surrogate Mothers – The surrogate mothers in India are carefully screened for STDs and various other diseases before being engaged for the surrogacy program. They are also subject to psychiatric and psychological evaluations.

With the technological advancements, motherhood after 40 is no more a distant possibility.

For couples having problems with conceiving children and looking for modern infertility treatments at reasonable costs, surrogacy in Georgia, Europe is a great option. Cost of surrogacy in Georgia is a pittance as compared to that in Australia the USA, the UK, and other developed European countries.

Infertility treatment facilities in Georgia are also synonymous with excellent quality world-class services. It is because of the aforementioned reasons Georgia in Europe is a key surrogacy destination in the world today and is thronged by people from the US, Australia, the UK and other West European countries desperate to begin their own families but cannot do so because of biological constraints. Also because of its proximity to and easy accessibility from other European and Middle Eastern countries, Georgia is an easy-to-travel medical tourism destination.

Surrogacy-A Brief Overview

Surrogacy is primarily a pre-arrangement wherein a woman carries and bears a child for other people. The word “surrogate” finds its roots in the Latin word “surrogatus” which means to substitute. Surrogacy is a blessing for females suffering from abnormalities in the uterus or cardiovascular and kidney diseases which could pose a big threat to both the pregnancy and their life, men with low sperm count, and same-sex couples looking for parental bliss.

Surrogate Mothers in Georgia

Georgia is a sought after surrogacy destination with an increasing number of couples traveling here from different parts of the globe looking for good surrogacy facilities. Surrogate mothers in Georgia have to undergo stringent physical and psychological testing and couples can also meet their surrogates. Surrogate mothers are also screened for infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Factors taken into consideration while screening a surrogate are age, previous cases of pregnancies and over all health. The cost of surrogate mother in Georgia is among the lowest in the world.

Why Georgia for Surrogacy?

Georgia is a popular hub of medical tourism and is especially thronged by medical tourists from affluent West European countries and the USA. Some of the benefits of opting for surrogacy programs in Georgia are as follows:
• One of the key reasons for its popularity is that cost of surrogacy in Georgia is one of the lowest in the world.
• Its proximity to other European countries, such as Switzerland, where surrogacy is banned, is also one of the primary reasons for Georgia’s popularity as a surrogacy destination.
• Laws of Georgia are also in favor of surrogacy and there are no limits on the number of instances a woman can be a surrogate.
• Also, one can combine a medical surrogacy tour with a leisure trip, since Georgia is known for its scenic beauty and splendor and baroque architecture with several old churches, and castles to savor. Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, is famous for it ultra-modern nightclubs and architecture. Georgians are also known for their hospitality and warm disposition
• Highly experienced doctors and staff provide world class infertility treatments in state-of-the-art Georgian hospitals and medical centers which can boast of high quality standards being strictly adhered to.
• Also, as per the visa norms of Georgia, tourists from the USA, Japan, and EU can now come to Georgia without a visa for a maximum period of three months.

Legal Status of Surrogacy in Georgia

Under surrogacy laws in Georgia, a surrogate mother is not recognized as the child’s parent and the intended parents are deemed as legal parents of the child. A birth certificate is issued within a day’s time of the birth and unlike other countries where approval of the surrogate is required; no consent of the surrogate mother is required for listing the intended parents on the birth certificate in Georgia.

In extreme cases where there is a risk of genetic diseases being transmitted, extracorporeal fertilization may also be used, provided the couple gives its consent in writing. Documents required for registration of the infertile couple as parents are the surrogacy agreement with the agency, certification issued by the IVF clinic about transfer of embryo into the surrogate mother’s womb, and the birth certificate issued by the hospital.

Surrogacy in Georgia, Europe is a good option for couples looking forward to expanding their families but wanting to cut down their expenditure on surrogacy. Right from cheap hotels to inexpensive local travel options, Georgia is a paradise for medical tourists and can help fulfill the dream of having a cherubic baby.

The rise of commercial surrogacy in Ukraine and other areas of Eastern Europe have produced an army of women that has played and will be playing an important role in the lives of many aspiring parents from all over the world. The low cost of surrogate pregnancy in Eastern Europe is the most compelling reason why the region became a big player in the surrogacy industry. Would-be parents from nearby West European countries including the UK and from as far as Australia and the USA are seeking surrogacy in East Europe. But outside of the fact that it’s a financially feasible option for you, have you ever taken a look at the other side of the equation? Read on to know more about surrogate moms from Eastern Europe.

Becoming a Surrogate Mother in Eastern Europe

Women who wish to become surrogate moms in Eastern Europe usually approach agencies or clinics operating in the region. These clinics and agencies are the ones responsible for connecting them with prospective parents. The moms are usually required to submit photos upon application, and then undergo rigorous testing both physically and psychologically to make sure they are fit.

Only women who have given birth before are qualified to become surrogate mothers. Agencies usually do not accept surrogates who drink, smoke, or take drugs. Typical surrogate moms from Eastern Europe are between the ages 20 and 40. Prospective parents are given several profiles they can choose from before agreeing to a surrogate mom.

In addition to eastern Europe, surrogacy in India is another popular option among medical tourists seeking surrogacy abroad.

Tests Conducted Before Surrogate Pregnancy Process

Before going straight for pregnancy, a surrogate from Eastern Europe would have to undergo extensive medical testing. What tests a women has to go through depends on the country’s laws, but it usually involves gynecological examinations, blood tests, and screening for various sexually-transmitted diseases among many others. She also has to go through psychological screening, and would usually be given continual counseling by the agency along with the parents.

During and After the Surrogate Pregnancy

Good agencies take care of the surrogate during the pregnancy process. This includes providing for her financially (as part of the package you pay for), and making sure she gets regular check-ups.

If compensated surrogacy is allowed in the country, the surrogate will receive monetary payment, which is usually part of the package you pay the agency. A fee paid to the mother usually applies only if the pregnancy is successful.

In countries where commercial surrogacy is legal like Ukraine, the surrogate will have zero parental rights over the child. Gestational surrogacy cases may require some paperwork so you can be legally named parents of the child. Otherwise, all you need to worry about is acquiring an exit visa for the child.

Making Sure You Get the Right Surrogate Mom

While more affordable and financially feasible for you, you will unfortunately not be able to personally screen potential mothers for the surrogate pregnancy process in Eastern Europe. Since your baby’s life depends on the surrogate for nine months, it’s best to check your agency’s reputation when it comes to choosing and screening surrogate moms. Make sure your agency performs regular checks and home visits on the surrogate since you can’t be there physically to do it on your own.

Ukraine is one of those few countries where no legal permission is required to choose a surrogacy program. Surrogacy in Ukraine is regulated under article 123.2 of the family code of the country, which makes it clear that only the intended parents will be considered the real parents of the child born with the assistance of reproductive technology. Once the surrogate mother delivers the baby, the couple automatically becomes the legal custodian of the child. It requires no adoption procedure.

Westerners have long been going to India for low cost surrogacy, but Eastern European nations like Ukraine, with their friendly surrogacy laws, are also being considered as favorable surrogacy destinations by Americans, Australians, UK citizens and intending parents from other parts of West Europe.

Traditional and Gestational surrogacy in Ukraine

• Ukraine surrogacy laws do not mention traditional surrogacy. The family code of the Ukraine law states only gestational surrogacy in its law.

• Gestational surrogacy, which involves in vitro fertilization, is the reproductive technique in which egg is fertilized artificially and then the embryo is transferred to the surrogate mother’s uterus. In this case, the child has no genetic relation to his surrogate mother. This procedure is absolutely legal in the country.

• In gestational surrogacy program Ukraine, the birth certificate is issued on the name of intended parents.

• Generally gestational surrogacy is opted for by parents who don’t want to get in trouble regarding legalities of child adoption.

Gender Selection in Surrogacy Ukraine

Ukraine is among those few countries where gender selection is legally allowed. Therefore, based on the personal choice, only male or only female embryo is transferred to the surrogate mother’s uterus.

Qualification of a Surrogate Mother in Ukraine

According to the same clause in the family law mentioned in the beginning, a woman can qualify to be a surrogate mother in Ukraine if she passes all the medical tests such as screening for HIV, blood analysis etc required under surrogacy. In addition, there are some other criteria for the selection of a surrogate

• She should be between 25-35 years.

• She should be a natural mother of at least one child and

• She should be mentally and physically fit.

Gay/Lesbian Surrogacy in Ukraine

According to the clause 123 and order 24 of the family law (Reg 04.02.97), only married couples are allowed to facilitate surrogacy program in Ukraine. Please note that there is no law for gay or lesbian in the country. Therefore, lesbians or gay partners are considered singles.

Nationality of the Surrogate Child Ukraine

Since Ukraine laws recognize only intended parents as the future guardians of the child, the couple has to apply for the baby’s passport. The child goes to the home country only on his/her passport.

Cost Surrogacy Ukraine

Ukraine surrogacy industry is the backbone of the medical tourism Ukraine. The cost of Ukraine surrogacy is significantly lower than countries like USA, and Canada. The cost effectiveness of the procedure, coupled with the lenient Ukrainian surrogacy laws, is the reason why thousands of couples and single parents come to Ukraine for surrogacy. Being situated in Europe, it offers the exceptional European standard services but at very competitive prices.

Traveling to Ukraine for Surrogacy

Ukraine is an east European country. It is easily accessible from all corners of the world. Couples from USA, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, CIS countries and European Union don’t need any visa to come to Ukraine for surrogacy. During this procedure, minimum two visits by the intended parents are required, first in the beginning and second at the time of delivery. Check with this website for general travel information.

Thanks to the cost-effectiveness and complete care during the procedure, surrogacy is adding millions of dollars in the medical industry of the country. Surrogacy procedure in Ukraine is a safe because it is a legal procedure and most surrogacy clinics in Ukraine are laced with modern facilities including hostels for surrogate mothers.

The cost of surrogacy in India can be as low as 50% of what it costs in Australia, the US, Canada, the UK and other countries in Europe. The price difference is so huge that couples wanting to have their own baby are travelling to South Asia to avail the services of India’s foremost surrogacy experts and well-screened Indian surrogate mothers. There is no question that surrogacy now adds a huge chunk of success to India’s medical tourism industry.

Types of Surrogacy

Traditional Surrogacy – Also called “Natural Surrogacy” – this is when the male’s sperm is used (thru IVF) to inseminate the surrogate, resulting to a baby that is genetically related to the male parent and the surrogate mother, but not to the intended mother.

Gestational Surrogacy – The most common type of surrogacy because it results to a baby genetically related to a male-female couple. Their own eggs and sperms are used in the fertilization process, then the embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s womb for her to carry the baby for the duration of the pregnancy.

Couples who need an egg donor can bring their donor along, or may opt to also pay for an Indian egg donor for IVF procedure.

Why Low Cost for Surrogacy in India?

The usual impression of low-priced services or goods is that they are of low quality. However, India’s leading surrogacy clinics can boast of success rates that are at par, or even higher, than those in its first-world counterparts. Couples from around the world seek the services of India’s surrogacy doctors, with their impeccable qualifications and long history of working with patients of different nationalities.

The main reason they are able to offer much lower prices is just the over-all lower cost of living in their country compared to countries in North America and Europe. Travelers to India also find that hotel accommodation rates, transportation, food, and even shopping cost much lower in this country.

Surrogacy Packages in India

Aside from the already affordable costs, many surrogacy clinics have also started to offer packages that include the different procedures that have to be done in the surrogacy process. Packages for surrogacy in India may include: surrogate mother fees, lab tests, work ups, pregnancy costs, delivery costs, medical fees, legal documents, the IVF process costs, etc.

The surrogacy cost in India may be the lowest in the world. With the excellence of their success rates and the way they treat their patients as partners throughout the journey, it is not hard to see why thousands of couples from Australia, the US, the UK and other West European countries are going there to seek the help of Indian surrogacy clinics to help them start a family.